Influence of post-calcination grinding on the properties of Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 lead-free piezoceramics

The effects of the post-calcination grinding on the structural and electrical properties of Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 (BCZT) lead-free ceramics were investigated. We show that an intense degree of milling affects drastically the structural homogeneity and deteriorates the electrical properties of the ceramics. This occurs due to a phase decomposition process mechanically activated by the grinding. The resulting microstructure consists of BCZT grains, CaTiO3 nanocubes and an amorphous phase rich in Ba and Ti.